Iraqi Sadrist movement leader Muqtada al-Sadr stated today, Saturday, that the United States would be considered a "hostile state towards Iraq" if it does not adhere to the conditions he proposed concerning the presence of its forces and its interventions in Iraq. He added in a statement following his movement's leading position in the parliamentary elections, "The U.S. government must engage in serious dialogue regarding the presence of its forces and interventions in Iraq."
He also emphasized that Washington must keep Iraq away from "its regional conflicts," stating, "We will not allow otherwise from anyone... The revolutions and protests of the Iraqi people are an internal matter and do not concern America."
It is noteworthy that the Sadrist movement now holds significant leverage regarding the selection of the Prime Minister, following the gains it achieved in the elections, but it still needs to reach an agreement with other political forces to form the government. Al-Sadr came out on top, securing more than 70 seats out of 329 according to the preliminary results announced by the high elections commission; nevertheless, it remains unlikely that he can unilaterally choose the Prime Minister.
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed last July, after consultations at the White House with Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, that the United States would end its combat mission in Iraq by the end of this year while a number of its forces will continue to provide training and military advisory roles to the Iraqi army.
